Universal Orlando Resort announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will have its grand opening on June 18. It also announced the details of its immersive marquee attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, in the verbose language we’ve come to expect: “Guests will feel things no one has ever felt inside a theme park attraction, move in ways no one has ever moved, experience film like no one else ever has, explore vast sets punctuated by amazing special effects — and have an adventure only possible in Harry Potter’s world.” Here’s what you need to know — The overview: “As you venture through Hogwarts castle, you meet Harry, Ron, and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice, you travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match [pictured], and more.” According to the press release, this is the first-ever combination of advanced robotic ride system technology with immersive filmmaking. ”The attraction’s newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters.”

The deets continue behind the cut. Wait ’til you hear how Universal decided to handle the nasty problem of long wait times in line … it’s pretty ingenious. Also, check out a promo video that gives a sneak peek of what’s in store for this amazing Harry Potter theme park attraction, after the jump …

During your queue adventure, which is estimated to last an hour, you will explore Dumbledore’s office (where the Headmaster will welcome you), the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom (where you first meet Harry, Ron, and Hermione), the Gryffindor common room (where you meet three additional characters who prepare you for the journey ahead), and the Room of Requirement (where, under hundreds of floating candles, you finally take your seat on an enchanted bench and begin the Forbidden Journey). During your queue adventure, you will also get to pass through the hallways of Hogwarts where you’ll see hundreds of wizard portraits from the films — several of which will magically talk, including the four founders and the Fat Lady. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the Sorting Hat, the greenhouse, the One-Eyed Witch statue, and the Mirror of Erised. Oh, and you’ll enjoy the attraction’s score, which was overseen by John Williams. Other characters you’re guaranteed to see: Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy. Characters you may spy: Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom.

Now … I’m not a Harry Potter fanatic or anything … but I am a pretty big fan and I can’t even express how exciting all of this sounds! This attraction looks and sounds amazing! I doubt I’ll be able to visit in June when it opens but I hope to make my way to Florida sometime soon. The one thing I *must* do at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is find my very on magic wand at Ollivander’s Wand Shop. The whole attraction just sounds like too much fun. Are you ready? Will YOU be at Universal Studios come June 18?

Once I realized I probably wasn’t going to be able to afford this trip this year I seriously cried! I was hoping to go for my Birfy in September but it’s just going to be too expensive.. :( Maybe we’ll have a Florida Christmas this year?? ;)

First off – Will there be a premiere opening to it? Will any of the stars there… or just their characters?
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OT – I heard somewhere that 24 has been canceled, & isn’t being “saved” by another network, nor will there be any movies in the foreseeable future. Does anybody have news on this?
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Thanks in advance.

@Rossy – Trent has already blogged about 24′s future. Type “24″ in the search box at the top of the page, and it will bring up that post.

I don’t want to hate on Twilight, but HP is so much more imaginative. I’m not even a HP fan. I couldn’t tell you who mlost of the characters are, but the stories are so much more creative. (And yes, I read every book in the Twilight series.)

i live right down the road from Universal, and I’m STOKED about this! I will probably try to avoid the mayhem of the first few opening months. It is, after all, summer in Florida, and they can be extra brutal when waiting in 180 minute lines for rides. But I’m def planning a trip for Dec or Jan! So fun!

I’ll be going in July. I cannot contain my excitement! I’ve been nerding out for weeks now! My boyfriend and I are going in July for our 2 year. Sooooo excited! Trent, you should make it down there at the end of July! That way I can be one of those lucky people who run into!